After browsing recipe after recipe, it’s time to visually burn off those calories.
Normally I don’t blog about anything but food but this was an adventure that needs to be shared. Information and pictures about this area is sparse and I’m feeling a bit, shall we say, generous. Sharing is caring, or something cheesy like that.
Welcome to the Great Wall – untouched since the 1300s.
This section is called “Jian Kou” aka Arrow Nock and features some of the most precarious and dangerous towers of the Great Wall built during the Ming dynasty.
Can’t read Chinese…or English, for that matter.
You are here, at the bottom. The Great Wall is perched on the ridge of those mountains. Start hiking, buddy!
The itinerary: Take a 1.5 hour drive from Beijing to a remote and rural village. Hike up the mountain for another hour and then begin your trek on the Great Wall. Walk, hike, crawl, and rock-climb your way up and down the desolate and beautiful Great Wall.
Intimidated? Let’s be honest here. I’ve never rock-climbed before. I can barely run a mile without huffing and puffing at the end (here, here little piggies. Oops, I’m not food-blogging right now).
Good sense of adventure? Check
Determination to hold on at no cost? you better!
“I have no idea what I’m getting myself into…but hell, let’s do it!” Check
Be ready for some rock climbing and just make sure you test the stability of a rock before putting your weight on it. The towers are more intimidating than in the pictures but don’t let that dissuade you from climbing it! This was one of the best adventures and places I’ve ever visited and I would gladly go again (this time overnight for two days!)
That being said, it is absolutely critical to hire an experienced guide to take you through these areas.If he doesn’t mention the word ‘rope,’ it’s time to start looking for another guide. Climbing some of these towers requires the use of a rope – unless you’re some super experienced rock-climber.
Nice photos! I’m glad you decided to share this adventure.
I just realized you posted your Great Wall adventure thru your food blog. OMG, you should be thankful you got back in one piece.
Hi there,
My name is Tiffany, and I’m a freelance writer for Shape.com. I’m reaching out to you because I recently came across your amazing site and truly enjoyed it. I am currently working on putting together a recipe slideshow, Healthy Dishes You Can Cook With Taro, for Shape.com, and I was wondering if I could include your delicious-sounding taro tapioca dessert or mashed taro recipe in the slideshow. We always provide credit to the site and a linkback, and it would be an honor to feature either of those recipes (or any other taro recipe you might have in mind!).
My deadline is this coming Wednesday evening, so I would truly appreciate a prompt response if possible! Please let me know as I would love to work with you on this.
Thank you so much!
Best,
Tiffany
Oh shoot! I am so sorry I didn’t see this sooner. If still needed, you have my permission.
Regards,
Tiffanie